• Limited places available on an optional training day on Saturday 28th May

• Event runs over the Bank Holiday weekend, 29th – 30th May

• Entry cost £99

After the huge success of the 2015 GS Trophy UK Qualifier, we just couldn’t wait two whole years to do it all again. So, for 2016 we have the GS Challenge UK – a bank holiday weekend packed with riding, navigating, camping and competition. Two days of riding around the beautiful Welsh mountains, following a road book and tackling challenges along the way. For many, the GS Challenge will be about great riding, enjoying the challenges and having a load of fun on their bikes. But for the competitive people out there, we’ll be totting up the points and announcing which riders make it through to the final afternoon and a chance to compete to win an epic adventure riding holiday with Off Road Skills.

The event is suitable for riders of all abilities and levels. The open event will involve a range of enjoyable on and off-road riding challenges, as well as practical, teamwork and navigation tests on the stunning roads around the region. Importantly, the event is not a race, but an experience designed to capture the spirit of the GS, the exploration and the enjoyment adventure riding should bring.

In the evening, a marquee and bar at one of the area’s top pubs will play host to the fun, as we enjoy an evening out in the Welsh countryside. Monday’s ride will take us back to Walters Arena for lunch, where the final 15 teams will be announced. At this point the finalists will have to put their skills to the test in front of both the judges and the public, in an exciting, spectator-friendly competition, which will end with one lucky team being named GS Challenge Champions 2016 and winning an epic adventure riding holiday.

The event is suitable for riders of all abilities and levels. The main event will involve a host of fun and enjoyable on and off-road riding challenges, as well as practical, teamwork and navigation tests on the stunning roads around the region. Importantly, the event is not a race, but an experience designed to capture the spirit of the GS, the exploration and the enjoyment adventure riding should bring. The GS Challenge is designed to be achievable by anyone, regardless of off-road riding experience and great bike skills will not be a guarantee of success.

On the Monday afternoon, the finalists will be picked and have to put their skills to the test in front of both the judges and the public, in an exciting, spectator-friendly competition, which will end with three lucky riders being named GS Challenge 2016 Champions.

Simon Pavey, chief instructor at BMW Off Road Skills, said: “The GS Challenge is aimed at every BMW Motorcycle rider being able to come and have fun on some great roads in great company. Of course this means the finalists will be skillful motorcyclists, but we want to make sure that the event is open, achievable and enjoyable for riders of all abilities to come and enjoy on their own bikes. The routes can be ridden on road tyres and entrants will be able to use BMW Off Road Skills bikes for the off-road tasks. New for 2016 we have the off-road options on the routes, to give riders who are keen to ride off-road more a chance to enjoy the Welsh countryside close up.”

Riders can book a place in the UK GS Challenge, by calling World of BMW on freephone 08000 131 282. To qualify for the event, riders must own a BMW motorcycle, hold a British passport and full motorcycle licence and be aged 21 or over*.

Riders should attend the event and participate in all the road-based activities on their own BMW motorcycle and be prepared. BMW Motorrad will provide a selection of GS bikes for use in the off-road challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the competition for?

Whist some level of off-road experience is required, the event is designed for hobby and amateur motorcyclists of all abilities. Riders competing as experts, or above, in any form of off-road motorcycling, should not take part.

Am I eligible to compete?

Key eligibility criteria are as follows:

Competitors must be current owners of a BMW motorcycle.All competitors must be 21 years of age or above, and hold a full and valid license for riding their motorcycle in the UK.Other conditions apply. Please click here for a full list of entry rules & regulations.What bike will I be competing on?

A range of BMW GS bikes will be available for competitors to use in the off-road elements of the competition. On-road sections must be completed on the participant’s own GS motorcycle.

Where is the event held?

The 2016 GS Challenge UK will be held in and around the area of Ystradgynlais, South Wales.

How much does it cost to enter?

The entry fee is £99 per participant and includes:

- Entry to the GS Trophy UK qualifier.

- Competition feesRoute notes and challenges

- Use of BMW GS bikes for off road challenges including fuel

- Results and presentation

The entry fees exclude:

- Fuel for your own BMW motorcycle

- Personal Accident Insurance

- Travel or transport to and from the event base near Ystradgynlais, Wales

- Any catering food and drinks

- Accommodation

Spaces are limited so call Ben DeWit on 01603 622655 or Ian Witterick on 01707 324249 today to book.